Friday, 19 April 2013

Kawartha Lakes 2013 Flood Watch Extended! [8pm Update]

Kawartha Lakes Mums - Are You Prepared For Flooding?

Updates: Road Closure added 10:30pm Saturday 9am Extra areas added noon more road closures added 8pm more road closures added State of Emergency Added 9:15 - Added Link to road closures
Flooding Watches and warnings have extended from Burnt River to include many more areas in Kawartha Lakes. Please Read >>>A State of Emergency has been declared for City of Kawartha Lakes. Do you know what to do in case of flooding?

Kawartha Lakes Flooding: Which areas are affected?

Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) issued a flood warning for the Gull River, Burnt River and Irondale River Watersheds as warm weather and forecasted rain combined with the rapid melting of the remaining snow pack in the Haliburton area have produced increased runoff to lakes and rivers. In addition, Kawartha Region Conservation Authority - KRCA)has issued a Flood Watch for Kawartha Lakes specifically the shoreline areas of Balsam, Cameron and Sturgeon Lakes and the northern portion of Pigeon Lake.
Water levels are expected to increase over the weekend and next week. There is the potential for flooding to occur along shorelines, in near shore areas, and in low-lying areas.Coboconk and Burnt River residents can pick up sandbags packed by volunteer firefighters at the following locations:Burnt River Depot at 90 County Rd. 44, and Coboconk Depot at 2863 County Rd. 48.

Black River Rd (north of Sebright) from Chisholm Trail to Muskoka Rd 6 is flooded and will remain closed until further notice. It is also flooded east of Chisholm Trail towards Lewisham Rd and closed this direction as well.

Laxton Bexley Rd is also flooded and closed at this time, from French Settlement Rd to Deer Lake Rd.

Wrex Rd is also flooded and closed.

Pinery Rd. remains closed from Winchester Dr. to the Rail Trail approximately 2km east of the Burnt River Road

Roads that are expected to flood are

Shankland Dr and the

Moorings.

Fairbarin Rd south of Rd 37 Is flooding and will be closed. This road is not connected to the Burnt River.

What Should You Do When You Have A Flood Warning?

For those vulnerable to flooding the following recommendations were made:

Make sure your sumpump is working.

Start moving furniture to the upper levels of your residence.

Fill a sufficient supply of sand bags from the supply provided by the City of Kawartha Lakes.

If you do leave your home prior to the flood or during an evacuation, shut off the electricity at the control panel.

Wherever possible make arrangements in advance for alternate accommodations with family or friends in case you need to leave your home due to flooding.

Points to remember:

Have a supply of all necessary prescriptions and medical supplies in case you need to leave on short notice;

Bring important papers with you such as ID, personal documents;

If you have pets, remember their needs as well.

Any residents requiring emergency accommodations, and who have not made their own arrangements in advance, should contact A Place Called Home at 64 Lindsay St. South in Lindsay or call 705-328-0905 (toll free: 1-866-520-2689). A Place Called Home is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to provide emergency shelter and support services. The Canadian Red Cross can provide general information on disaster personal preparedness. Contact the Lindsay and District office at 705-324-8960 or toll free 1-866-386-8960. Social Services inquiries can be directed to the Social Services office at 705-324-9870.

What is Causing Burnt River Flooding?

According to the Environment Canada Real Time Hydrometric Data the Burnt River is approaching 5.5 meters at noon today.
The Ministry of Natural Resources aka MNR has issued a flood warning for the Gull River, Burnt River and Irondale River Watersheds as warm weather and forecasted rain combined with the rapid melting of the remaining snow pack have produced increased runoff to lakes and rivers.
Water levels along the Gull River, Irondale River, and Burnt River have been rising quickly as a result and continue to rise. This trend is expected to continue in to early next week. Additional rain is in the forecast.
The northern portions of the Gull River system were hardest hit by the recent storm event. The Trent Seven Waterway has advised that the Gull River watershed is yet to see all of the water from last night's rain event where over 50mm was recorded at Maple Lake, and warn that this will be problematic for the Village of Minden. Local lakes have risen 15-25cm overnight.
The MNR will closely monitor weather and watershed conditions and update this Statement as conditions warrant.

How Long Will The Burnt River Flood Warning Be In Effect?

The Flood warning is in effect until Monday April 22 when an update will be issued.
For Burnt River residents, sand and sandbags are available at the Burnt River Depot.
Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue and Public Works staff continue to monitor the situation

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